Provide students with an introduction to key aspects of family law in England and Wales in the context of both public and private proceedings;
To explore how the law defines ‘family’;
To highlight the extent to which the law accommodates different family forms and interpersonal relationships in the light of cultural, religious and social variables;
To consider the impact of human rights on the development and interpretation of family law;
To critically examine key features of and developments in family law in England and Wales, including an analysis of the ongoing family justice review and key judicial decisions;
To critically examine the role and limitations of the state in regulating family relationships, including an analysis of the interplay between state welfare provision and the organisation of private family life.

(LO1) Have acquired a detailed understanding of legal instruments and processes governing family law in England and Wales

(LO2) Be able to apply legal instruments to practical scenarios

(LO3) Be able to determine individuals' rights in family law matters, particularly the rights of vulnerable and socially/legally marginalised groups (ex. Children; same sex couples; ethnic minorities).

(LO4) Have gained a critical perspective of key legal and policy developments in family law and be able to suggest areas for development and reform;

(LO5) Be able to appreciate the relationship between social policy/state welfare provision and the development of family law.

(LO6) Understand the impact of human rights on the interpretation and application of family law

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

Lectures will cover the following core topics:

Introduction: Defining ‘Family’ and ‘Family Law’

Historical perspective on how law relating to family has evolved;
Prioritisation of marriage/the nuclear family and the effect of this on the legal treatment of other relationship and family forms;
Parental autonomy/right to family life v State `interference’;
The Impact of the Human Rights Act on Family law.

Marriage, Civil Partnership and Cohabitation

Legal formalities (who can contract a marriage/civil partnership and under what conditions);
Legal  consequences (names; property; succession);
Dissolution of Relationships (Divorce, Dissolution, Annulment and Separation);
The grounds;
Legal Formalities;
Legal Consequences: names, property and financial provision and succession;
Towards the settlement culture: alternative forms of dispute resolution.

Legal Relations between Parent and Child

Legal consequence of Divorce/separation for children (residence/ contact/ maintenance; the welfare principle);
Parental Responsibility (who has it and what is its significance);
Parenthood (Establishing parentage/surrogacy/assisted reproduction).

State intervention and child protection

The role of agencies and courts in child care and protection;
Children placed in Local Authority Care;
Emergency protection of Children;
Children in need.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: 20 hours of academic lectures (supplemented by 4 hours of law in practice lectures delivered by a district judge on ‘judicial perspectives of child protection law’). 1 x 2 hour revision session
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: 10 x 2 hour lectures and 1 x 2 hour revision session

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: The lectures will be complemented by 3 x 1.5 hour seminars for 30+ students on the following themes:

Definitions and Dynamics of Family Life
When Relationships Break Down
State Intervention in Family Life
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 3 x 90 minute seminars

Teaching Method 3 - Other
Description: 1 x Drop-in session
Attendance Recorded: No